Artseast Nov 2015

Page 37

Local Arts Scene: e Pulhams

Photography: Ian Foster, Copy Concept

Picture Perfect Villages Comprising two villages - Pulham Market and Pulham St

of the counties most beautiful buildings, furniture maker Derrick

Mary - the Pulhams are a picturesque little creative hub, just

Ibbott whose bespoke creations truly are a work of art and

15 miles south of Norwich.

Kidzfancypantz, designing and handmaking children's clothes

Steeped in history, both villages thrived in the 14th century and became sufficiently wealthy to build their own churches. It is believed that Pulham Market's stunning thatched public house The Crown was built to house the workers building the church

and fancy dress costumes To celebrate the Millennium a group of volunteers from the village began a stunning tapestry in 2000 which became a 6ft 6in by 4ft 6in masterpiece currently housed in Pulham Market's Memorial Hall.

behind. In Tudor times, Pulham Market became famous for its

Pulham St Mary is home to the award-winning Pennoyer Centre

cottage industries manufacturing hats, dornicks and coverlets

which holds art classes, craft fairs and exhibitions as well as

and even had its own Guildhall.

showing films and hosting live music nights. The village is also

The arts have always been strong in The Pulhams with a very popular amateur dramatics group, Pulham Players and its very own Pulham Village Orchestra. It also plays host to a popular yearly music days where local artists perform on the village green. Artists and craftsmen have long been drawn to the area and many have set up home or a studio here. Pulham Market is also home to a number of creative businesses including Norfolk Pamments, whose tiles have graced the floors of many

famed for being the base for the operation of airships, known locally as 'Pulham Pigs' because of their shape. By 1918 more than 3000 men were stationed at RNAS Pulham, a Royal Navy base. The R34 airship, based at Pulham, made the first historic two-way crossing of the Atlantic in 1919. A photographic display on the Pulham Pigs can be viewed at the Pennoyer Centre. For a small place, the Pulhams has a lot to offer.

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